×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

City brace for Chelsea siege

CUT DOWN: Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, right, is fouled by Tottenham Hotspur's Danny Rose during their Premiership match at White Hart Lane in London on WednesdayPhoto: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
CUT DOWN: Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, right, is fouled by Tottenham Hotspur's Danny Rose during their Premiership match at White Hart Lane in London on WednesdayPhoto: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

LONDON - Manchester City will bid to extend their perfect Premier League home record this season when they defend top spot against third-placed Chelsea on Monday (10pm kickoff).

City, who went top of the table with a crushing 5-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, host Chelsea after Jose Mourinho's team were held 0-0 at home by West Ham United in a London derby on Wednesday.

The big clash at the Etihad, where City have scored 42 goals in 11 league wins this season, will be a prelude to the team's FA Cup fifth-round tie at the same stadium next month.

Former leaders Arsenal, who dropped two points in a 2-2 draw at Southampton on Tuesday and are now one behind City, face improving Crystal Palace at home on Sunday in a rarely played derby between the two London sides.

Palace have become far more resilient since Tony Pulis became manager in November.

They were bottom when Pulis arrived, but are now 14th - five points clear of the relegation zone.

Liverpool strengthened their claims for a top-four finish for the first time since 2009 when they crushed Everton 4-0 in the Merseyside derby on Tuesday and look capable of extending their unbeaten six-match run when they travel to 15th-placed West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

England international Daniel Sturridge has returned after injury with five goals in four matches, including two against Everton, while Luis Suarez, who scored a hat-trick against West Brom in a 4-1 win at Anfield in October, will be looking to inflict more damage and add to his 23 league goals.

Everton, who have slipped from fourth to sixth in the last two weeks, will be looking for a quick return to form against erratic Aston Villa tomorrow, but will have to look elsewhere for goals following top scorer Romelu Lukaku's ankle injury against Liverpool.

Manchester United, boosted by the arrival of £37.1-million (R680-million) club record signing Juan Mata, who had a fine debut in the 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Tuesday, make the short trip to Stoke City to face another old favourite tomorrow.

 

The full weekend's fixture:

TOMORROWNewcastle United vs Sunderland (2.45pm), West Ham vs Swansea City (2.45pm), Cardiff City vs Norwich City (5pm), Everton vs Aston Villa (5pm), Fulham vs Southampton (5pm), Hull vs Tottenham (5pm), Stoke vs Man United (5pm)

SUNDAY West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool (3.30pm) and Arsenal vs Palace (6pm).

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.